When the USS Sioux City arrived at the Naval Academy Tuesday morning, it kicked off the start of a rare occurrence — the commissioning of a Navy warship in Annapolis.

It also marked a visit by one of the largest ships to visit Annapolis in modern history.

Over the next several days, the public will get a chance to view this $362 million taxpayer investment in national security. Measuring 378-feet long, it is one of 11 Freedom-class littoral combat ships designed to operate close to shore.

The last time a Navy warship was commissioned in Annapolis, Bill Clinton was president. It was a much smaller affair.

The USS Cyclone was commissioned at the Naval Academy on Aug. 7, 1993, the first of the Navy’s then-new class of coastal combat ships. Under various crews and captains, it served on special forces and other missions in the Carribean, the Arabian Gulf, the Mediterranean and other waters until 1999 when it was transferred first to the Coast Guard and then the Philippine Navy. It remains in service there today as General Mariano Alvarez.

The similarity in design and intent is not a coincidence. Much bigger ships require more water— the new Zumwalt class of destroyers under construction are 600-feet-long and will need 28-foot depths at a minimum. The Severn River is only 20 to 25 feet deep.

Both the Cyclone and Sioux City are comparatively small, nimble designs. And while the Sioux City is 200-feet-longer and draws twice the water than the Cyclone required for navigation, its mission allows it to squeeze into tight spaces like Annapolis.

By comparison, ships that frequent Annapolis are small.

The superyacht Martha Ann, an occasional visitor, pulls in at 230 feet. The Independence, one of the American Cruise Lines ships that bring tourists to Annapolis, is 194.7-feet-long and sends its passengers ashore on launches from a safe mooring spot out in the river.

The Lynx, a clipper ship replica in the harbor for commissioning ceremonies, is a mere 127-feet from stern to the bowsprit. The Pride of Baltimore II measures 157 feet but is stranded in Baltimore short of funds for its next sailing season.

Catherine Marie, the Watermark charter yacht based in Annapolis, is 95 feet. A bit smaller and you find the matching Annapolis-based charter schooners Woodwind I and II, 74 feet when measured from their longest points.

The Sioux City will be commissioned Saturday in ceremony organizers describe as one of the most patriotic ceremonies the public can witness — second only behind the inauguration of a U.S. president. Tickets are gone, but there are other opportunities to see the ship.

So, for a little maritime city with a long connection to the Navy, this ship is truly a big deal.